Transcend

Tad Munnings

This feature length documentary follows the journey of the 2012 Boston Marathon Champion, Wesley Korir, and brings the audience into the world of distance running: a sport of endurance and belief.

After winning the 2012 Boston marathon, Wesley sets out with his coach to improve on his 2nd place finish at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon and to shatter the course record. Weeks before the race, however, Wesley feels like God is calling him to move into Kenyan politics. After a disappointing performance at the Chicago Marathon, Wesley decides to spend the money he earned as a professional runner and run as an independent candidate in the 2013 Kenyan elections, in the hope of winning a seat as a Member of Parliament: a feat that had never been accomplished.

The corruption and difficulty of campaigning as an independent in Kenya leaves Wesley with little time to train for the 2013 Boston Marathon. Training runs would be forfeited because of late night campaigning and while his competitors would be training 120-150 miles a week, Wesley would be fortunate to run 50 miles a week.

After an exhausting election campaign, Wesley returns to Boston to show his country and the rest of the world that in the midst of hardship, despite physical limitations, when coupled with a relentless belief and a slightly delusional mindset, the human spirt has the potential to transcend all adversity.

Wesley’s story in the film is intermingled with several other stories of elite distance runners including Jake and Zane Robertson who move from New Zealand to kenya at the age of 17 to understand what it takes to be the best.

Commentary throughout the film from famous runners, authors, physiologists, and coaches will explore what really propels the greatest runners in the world to the finish line.